I must admit, I’ve been a fan of Gerard Way from the My Chemical Romance days. From the first time I saw the video for “I’m Not Okay (I Promise)” on my television screen, teenage me was enthralled by the music and instantly feel in love with the sound coming from my screen and to my ears. But this isn’t a My Chemical Romance appreciation post.

For me, as soon as I heard Gerard Way was making a solo album, I knew I had to look up the songs that were posted in anticipation for the album and once again, I was hooked. Perhaps I’m biased to a point, but Way has always captured me with his vocal skills and the melodies created throughout his new album have caught my attention once again and has be bobbing along whether I’m riding the tube into the city or walking down the street.

While My Chemical Romance had a more rough edge to their music, especially in the earlier albums, Way comes forth with a new sound, infused with rock and brit undertones, as I believe was his intention. The overall aesthetic makes you feel badass and sends good vibes through and through. Some of my favourite tracks from the album include, “Action Cat”, “No Shows”, and “Millions”.

It’s a little bit rainy out, perhaps a little bit chilly, and the mood filling the air is of slow movements and mellow thoughts. Lets begin the day with some music to drift you through the day, passing by any stress without so much of a care and with a relaxing sense of mind.

Today marks my 25th birthday, it’s been a whirlwind of an adventure and I can’t wait for the next 25 (It feels weird saying that) And what’s a great way to start off the day then to create a lovely playlist of songs for you — Because what’s a better way to celebrate a time like this then with friends and good music. So put on your favourite outfit, pop in your headphones, grab some cake, and press play; Time for a musical adventure, quarter of a century style.

“Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?” by She & Him
“New Wave” by Sleater Kinney
“The Boy With The Arab Strap” by Belle and Sebastian
“Dancehall Domine” by The New Pornographers
“Kiss With A Fist” by Florence + The Machine
“Action Cat” by Gerard Way
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
“Sleepyhead” by Passion Pit
“40 Day Dream” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
“The Bleeding Heart Show” by The New Pornographers

Every day has a different feeling, a different framework of motions and thoughts. Mondays are never the best, no day can be great, but then can also be the opposite, they can be wonderful. Here’s an excerpt from my writing for this late Monday evening.. Listen to the tracks, immerse yourself in whatever you’re doing and just breathe.

Believe in beauty even when you think there is none left in the world. Try and keep your heart open, let your eyes see and your organs feel. No matter what, don’t give up. No matter how hard, no matter how terribly wretched it may become, attempt to keep some shred of hope alive. For it may be the last strand of dreams left.

Wind chimes swing and feathers float by; Hoping for the sun to pop out from behind the soot coloured clouds. Time to cross all those fingers and cross all those toes and wish for Mister Sun to come on out again.

Because who doesn’t like some classical music in the morning, a cup of tea in hand, and perhaps a good book waiting to be read from cover to cover. It makes you want to get lost amongst the waves, feel the movement of the water, and drift along without a worry or care. Sigh, doesn’t it sound beautiful?